Veteran Walking For Veterans Says “I Will Never Forget Oklahoma”

When I'm not on the radio, I'm also performing live music. Over the weekend, I found myself performing for the little town of Shamrock, Texas - just 15 miles west of the "Welcome to Oklahoma" sign at the border of Oklahoma and Texas. While visiting, I didn't realize I was in the presence of a celebrity. Robert Luna, the man walking for veterans, was at my show.

The Man Behind the Movement

Robert and I were able to talk about his experience in Oklahoma. He told me about his visit in Sam's Town in Erick, Oklahoma, where he felt right at home just off of Route 66 and supporting a man who only wanted to support others. When I asked him what he thought of Oklahoma, it shouldn't have surprised me when he admitted "it's amazing how flat it truly is."

He also told me that, compared to other places in the U.S., Oklahoma's slower lifestyle is something to be appreciated. "While walking through Oklahoma, I have really loved how simple life is out here."

Robert Luna is the man walking across the United States, following Route 66, trying to bring awareness to the mental health issues that veterans and their loved ones face. After serving in the Coast Guard, he unfortunately felt the same struggles that almost all veterans face today.

When he told me of his own experience that inspired this movement, it broke my heart. "I wanted to kill myself," he recalled. "So, I tried to call the VA and get help. I got an appointment.... but it was 6 months out."

Although Robert's story isn't from here, Oklahoma veterans also experience the same problems. On average, the wait time for veterans to get medical care can range from a few days to a few months, according to the Concerned Veterans For America.

If you live in Oklahoma, or are from here, there's a good chance you know of a veteran or have one in your family. Imagine losing that person to something that could've been prevented, had the time been made sooner.

Read more: Celebrity Quotes About Oklahoma - What Do They Think of OK?

That feeling is something so many people have felt, but Robert's journey is hopefully a step in the right direction to prevent another family from feeling it in the future.

Why Walk?

When Robert explained how he coped with his mental health struggles, there was always one thing he could do anywhere he was to take his mind off of it all. "I just walked," he said.

You'll find him sporting his neon orange "free hugs" shirt while out on the road. One of the best ways to support your loved one when they're going through the hard part of life is just simply being there; not money, not meds, not things - just being there.

Follow Him Home

Robert's Journey is known as AL2LA. He started his walk on May 18 of this year in Weaver, Alabama and is headed to California. And this man is making MILES.

In 24 hours, he had made it from the Cactus Inn Motel in McLean, TX to the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX - about 81 miles if you're counting.

Maybe we all need a little more walking for all types of health.

If you want to donate to his movement or just simply follow along and share the movement, follow him on his social media.

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